Carpenter&#39;s saw with added multipurpose facilities



M. CORTEZ CARPENTERS SAW WITH ADDED MULTIPURPDSE FACILITIES Filed Oct. 23, 1965 May 16, 1967 United States Patent O "i 3,319,337 CARPENTERS SAW WITH ADDED MULTI- PURPUSE FACILITIES Manuel Cortez, 41.1 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, Calif. 95060 Filed Oct. 23, 1965, Ser. No. 502,354 6 Claims. (Cl. 33-75) The present invention relates to manually usable cornbination tools and has to do, more particularly, with an improved multipurpose carpenters saw characterized by the usual flat-faced elongated toothed blade having an advantageously unique handle at the rearward or trailing end provided with added .accessories or facilities which are embodied in the over-all saw Without altering the basic or fundamental characteristics of the saw.

In carrying out the principles of the present invention the back of the saw, which constitutes a straight edge, is provided on one, but preferably both, flat faces with sequentially numbered suitably graduated components dening a linear measuring scale. It is realized, in this connection, that a measuring and work layout scale on a carpenters saw is not new. However, in the instant improved saw the scale does not, as is usual, terminate at the rearward end, that is short of the handle or handgrip. Instead, it extends all the way to the rear terminal flattened ends of a pair of outstanding lugs carried by the handle with the nal 30 mark terminating flush with the flat faces of the lugs with which it cooperates, thus providing, as will be hereinafter seen, one of the significant features of the present invention.

The invention is further regarded as an advance in the art in that the straight edge measuring scale provides one leg f a try-square. To achieve this novel result the aforementioned projecting components or lugs of the handgrip are provided with grooves which open through the rearward flat faces and conjointly provide a keyway. This keyway in practice serves t-o receive as well .as anchor a flange-like member on an attachable and detachable unit hereinafter referred to as a framing square. The flange constitutes and provides a key and there is a separable connection between the keying flange and the graduated portion of this unit whereby it provides a companion but detachable leg of the try-square.

Then, too, novelty is predicated on a block-like handle having the characteristics stated and wherein the component portions are provided (preferably on left and. right faces or sides) with outwardly opening pockets containing and housing fxedly mounted bubble-type levels. These levels are novel in that they are arranged in (l) horizontal and (2) vertical pairs. They can be and are used in conjunction with the straight edge and scale or in conjunction with the try-square, that is, the legs singly and collectively of the try-square.

A further objective is attained by p-roviding opposite sides of the saw blade, that is, at a point adjacent the handle means, with engraved or correspondingly applied graduated lines which constitute and provide a protractor on each side. This feature of the concept is regarded as novel in that the radial lines have properly paired and coordinating keeper holes for detents which are carried by pivotally mounted T-bevels 0r arms which are latchable in different adjusted positions for cooperation with the blade and also with the try-square, and which are also provided at free ends with pivoted manually applicable and releasable latches so arranged that they coact properly with keeper seats in the handle or handgrip means to assist in latching the T-bevels in normal out-of-the-way or retracted positions.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter 3,319,337 Patented May 16, 1967 ICC described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a view in side elevation -of a multipurpose carpenters saw, that is, a saw having customary structural characteristics plus improved facilities which contribute to the over-all usefulness of the saw.

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary view of the right hand or rearward end portion of the saw, the purpose of which is to show the keying and retaining means for the attachable and detachable optionally usable framing square component, portions being broken away and shown in section.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged section on the section line 3--3 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a suitably enlarged section taken on the plane of the section line `4 4 of FIGURE 1.

And FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary view in elevation illustrating the attachable and detachable leg of the framing or try-square.

Referring now to the views of the drawing it will be seen (FIG. 1) that the saw proper constitutes the primary part of the yover-all multipurpose implement. It constitutes a regular carpenters saw characterized by a flexible and resilient steel or equivalent elongated blade 6 having the customary linearly straight upper edge or marginal back 8 which constitutes a straight edge ranging from the tip to the other end. The tip here comprises a transverse marginal end as at 10. The trailing transverse end is denoted at 12. Engraved. on opposite sides .are the selectively or optionally usable measuring scales each denoted by the numeral 14. Inasmuch as there is a graduated scale on each side or surface, it will simplify matters by merely describing one, that is, the one appearing in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the scale is provided with customary coacting dimensional graduations 16 and sequential numbers 18 coacting therewith and defining a measuring scale or ruler. This straight-edged scale iS usable for measuring and marking saw cutting lines. It is to be noted that the blade carrying the scale 14, instead of terminating near or adjacent the forward marginal edges `of the handle means 29, extends completely to the rear or trailing end portion of the handle means. The handle means comprises a conventional block-type structure which is bifurcated with the rear end portion 12 of the blade `6 fitting between the furcations and riveted or otherwise secured in place as at 22 (FIG. 2). There is a hand hole 24, a handgrip 26 and a pair of terminal upper .and lower extensions or lugs 28 and 30 respectively. Each upper marginal edge of the handle means, denoted at 32, is in a plane below the adjacent marginal edge portion of the scale and the blade and scale extends to the point 34 where it terminates ilush with a flattened or straight edged terminal portion of the adjacent uppermost lug 28. Both lugs 28 and 30 have flat or straight edges which are in line with each other as at 36 and 37 (FIG. 1). These lugs 28 `and 30 and also an intervening handle portion 38 have aligned openended grooves which constitute and conjointly provide a keyway for reception and retention of a flange-like key 40 with bayonet -slots 42 (FIG. 2) which are engageable with keeper and retaining pins 44 carried by the respective lugs 28 and 30. The flange is carried by and is a component of an over-all attachable and detachable framing component 46 (also designated as a leg) and which constitutes one of the two legs of the try-square made up of the graduated straight-edged. scale 14 .and the right angularly disposed companion graduated leg 46, the graduations are denoted at 48. This leg 46 is of a suitable length compared to the length of the scale 14, whereby the overall saw provides this readily convertible combination T- square and handle-equipped saw blade.

Observing now the duplicate block-like components of the handle means it will be seen that (FIG. 4) both components are provided with outwardly opening pocketlike recesses S in which bubble-type gauges or levels are confined and mounted. Since these levels are on both Sides, a description of one side will suffice and reference is made to FIG. l wherein it will be seen that the upper pair of levels 52 are horizontal and parallel to the straight edge 8. The lower pair of levels S4 are vertical and are accordingly at right angles to the leg or scale 14 and parallel to the bodily attachable and detachable leg 46. When the leg 46 is needed it is latched in place as detailed in FIG. 2. When it is not needed it is bodily removed so as not to interfere with the users comfortable grip on the handgrip (features 24 and 26 in FIG. 1).

The block-like components on opposite left and right sides of the saw have an additional function. This is to say, the forward or left hand marginal edges 56 provide outstanding abutment or shoulders for coacting T-bevels 58. Only one bevel (FIG. l) need be described here. It comprises an elongated arm which is rectangular in crosssection as shown in FIG. 4. One edge thereof abuts the edge 56. The headed end 59 is pivotally mounted on the blade as at 60. The lower free end portion is provided with an L-shaped catch or latch 62 (FIG. 2) which is pivoted at 64 and is so constructed and arranged that the free terminal end portion thereof is adapted to be snapped into a keeper notch 63 when the bevel is closed and held as shown in FIG. l. The bevel 58 can be swung from its retracted position, that is, from right to left when it is brought into use in conjunction with the engraved or correspondingly applied protractor denoted generally at 66. This protraetor is characterized by and includes suitable circumferentially spaced radial lines 68 coacting with the graduations, for example, the zero graduation at 70, the graduation at 72 to the left and the 15 graduation 74 to the right (FIG. l). When this privoted arm or T-bevel is brought into play it is oriented and positioned relative to the radial lines 68 and marked graduations 70, 72, 74, etc. To achieve the end result desired, it will be seen that the saw blade is provided with suitably arranged rows of holes which constitute keepers 76 for coacting detents 7S as shown in FIG. 3. The purpose of the detent 78 fitting into a keeper hole '76 is to hold the T- bevel in a selected and set useful position. Each T-bevel or arm is provided with a spring-biased manually releasable retainer 79 (FIG. 3) pivoted in place at 80 and normally recessed and confined in a pocketing recess 82 provided therefor. Each retainer 79 is also provided with an appropriately arranged easy-to-hold finger grip 84. The end of the retainer opposite to the pivoted end 80 is connected to a coil spring S6 fitted and concealed in a bore or recess 88 provided therefor and anchored in place at 90. These retainers '79 accordingly built into and carried by the respective T-bevels 58 which, as previously stated, are located on opposite sides of the intervening saw blade.

It will be clear from the views of the drawing that all of the features of the concept are in and of themselves unique, that is, in the sense that each contributes its proportionate share to the over-all combination implement.

It is realized that saws with added tools and facilities thereon are old in the art. However, it is not known that any prior art combination saw is apparently such that the upper marginal edges of the block-like components of the handle coact with the interposed blade and are spaced below and are parallel with the graduated end portion of a scale and straight edge such as at 14, with the final graduation terminating flush with one (28) of two lugs or extensions at the rear end of a handgrip. It is also novel to utilize grooves or keyways in paired lugs at the rear end of a handle for reception of a flange-like key carried by and constituting a part of an attachable and detachable framing square unit, more particularly,

i the leg 46. Novelty is also predicated on a single tool having several purposes, for example, the optionally usable feature of the T-bevels 5S with spring-loaded retainers 79 and the safety latch means 62, as shown in FIG. 2.

It is submitted that a careful consideration of the specification in conjunction with the views of the drawing will enable the reader to obtain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter of the invention, the features and advantages derived from their individual and collective usefulness. Accordingly, a more extended description is regarded as unnecessary.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In combination, a carpenters saw embodying a flatfaced flexible blade having opposed longitudinal marginal edges joined at their respective forward and rearward ends by transverse leading and trailing edges, one longitudinal edge, the one constituting the back of the blade, being linearly straight from end to end and providing a straight edge for scribing and similar purposes, at least one lengthwise face of said blade proximal and parallel to said straight edge having measured graduation coacting with each other and said straight edge and defining and providing a linear measuring scale, handle means cooperating with and mounted on the transverse trailing end portion of said blade and terminating in a handgrip, a rearward marginal edge portion of said handgrp having upper and lower outstanding companion lugs, both of said lugs and a portion of the edge of the handgrip between said lugs having aligned open-ended coordinating grooves conjointly constituting a keyway which is adapted to accommodate an optionally attachable try-square leg, the side face portions of said handle means having recesses, spirit levels fitted and confined for flush operation in their respective recesses, at least one horizontal spirit level having its lengthwise dimension parallel with the aforementioned straight edge, a second spirit level Whose lengthwise axis is at right angles to said straight edge, the forward leading edge portions of the component parts of said handle means being planar and inclined rearwardly and downwardly and providing oblique angled shoulders cooperating with adjacent blade surfaces, and, in combination, a readily attachable and detachable straight edged try-square leg of requisite length having graduated measuring scales on exposed surfaces, said leg being of a predetermined length and, when in use, being disposed at right angles to said straight edge measuring scale, having flat surface portions abutting coacting terminal straight ended surfaces of the aforementioned lugs, bridging the space between said lugs and having one terminal end mated at right angles, with the adjacent terminal end of said straight edged measuring scale, whereby the measuring scale in conjunction with said leg combine in providing a try-square.

2. The structure defined in and according to claim 1 and wherein said attachable and detachable leg is provided along a forward longitudinal surface with an integral outstanding substantially coextensive attaching and retaining flange, said flange constituting a key and fitting removably in coacting portions of the over-all keyway.

3. The structure defined in claim 2 and wherein each groove is provided with a fixed cross pin constituting a keeper pin, and said ange having bayonet slots which are releasably connectible with their respectively cooperating keeper pins.

4. The structure according to claim 2 and in combination, at least one T-bevel comprising a linearly straight arm, an upper end of said arm being pivotally mounted on said blade adjacent the corresponding upper end of the coacting oblique angled shoulder, said arm being provided at its lower free end with a pivoted catch and said catch being releasably engageable with a keeper notch provided in a cooperating portion of a handle.

5. The structure according to claim 2 and, in cornbination, an arm abutting an adjacent coacting one of said oblique angled shoulders and pivoted at an upper end on a side of the saw blade adjacent to but below the graduations of the aforementioned measuring scale, said arm being in a normal position resting against said shoulder, said blade being provided adjacent said shoulder with an engraved complemental graduated protractor, said blade having keeper holes at prescribed points coordinated with predetermined graduations embodied in said protractor, said arm being provided with a pivotally mounted spring-biased retainer having detents and said detents being releasably engageable with selectively usable ones of said keeper holes in a manner to position and temporarily hold said arm in a given work-abutting position, said retainer being pivoted in a recess provided therefor in said arm, having an exposed and readily accessible lingergrip, and spring means anchored at one end in a recess provided therefore in said arm and secured at its other end to said retainer, whereby the detent is normally spring-biased into a retainer locating arm-holding position against a coacting surface of the saw blade.

6. In combination, a carpenters saw embodying a flat faced flexible blade having top and bottom longitudinal marginal edges joined at their forward and rearward ends by transverse leading and trailing edges, said bottom edge being provided with saw teeth, said top edge being linearly straight from end to end and providing a straight edge, at least one lengthwise face of said blade proximal to and parallel with said straight edge having numbered graduations constituting and providing linear measuring scale, complemental duplicate blocks superimposed upon opposite faces of said blade adjacent the trailing edge thereof, coacting portions of the adjacent end portion of said blade being interposed and sandwiched between adjacent opposed inner surfaces of said blocks, portions of said blocks being apertured and providing a handgrip, the rearward marginal edges of said blocks being provided with upper and lower coplanar outstanding lugs, both of said lugs and a portion of the edge of the handgrip between said lugs having aligned open ended coordinating grooves coacting and providing a keyway, the upper marginal edges of said blocks being flat and linearly straight and terminating in a common plane, said top marginal edge portion of said blade being in a plane above the upper marginal edges of said blocks and that portion of the blade and scale -cooperable therewith extending so that the final `graduation of said scale is flush with the vertical edge portions of the components of said upper lug, and in combination, a readily attachable and detachable straight edged leg of a predetermined length having graduated measuring scales on exposed surfaces, said leg, when in use, being disposed at right angles to the lengthwise dimension of said straight edge measuring scale, having flat surface portions abutting coacting terminal straight ended surfaces of said lugs, bridging the space between said lugs and having one terminal end mated at right angles with the adjacent terminal end of said straight edged measuring scale, whereby the measuring scale in conjunction with said leg combine in providing a try-square, said attachable and detachable leg -being provided along the forward longitudinal surface with an integral projecting flange, said flange constituting and providing a key and said key being fitted removably into coacting portions of the overall keyway, the portions of the grooves embodied in said upper and lower lugs being provided with fixed cross pins constituting keeper pins and said flange having bayonet slots releasably connectible with their respectively cooperating keeper pins.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,338,188 4/1920 Mendel. 1,665,504 4/ 1928 Midgley.

2,500,248 3/1950 Grahn 33-75.1 X 2,602,240 7/1952 Auckland 33-75.l

FOREIGN PATENTS 517,505 lO/l955 Canada.

LEONARD FORMAN, Primary Examiner.

H. N. HAROIAN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION, A CARPENTER''S SAW EMBODYING A FLATFACED FLEXIBLE BLADE HAVING OPPOSED LONGITUDINAL MARGINAL EDGES JOINED AT THEIR RESPECTIVE FORWARD AND REARWARD ENDS BY TRANSVERSE LEDING AND TRAILING EDGES, ONE LONGITUDINAL EDGE, THE ONE CONSTITUTING THE BACK OF THE BLADE, BEING LINERALY STRAIGHT FROM END TO END AND PROVIDING A STRAIGHT EDGE FOR SCRIBING AND SIMILAR PURPOSES, AT LEAST ONE LENGTHWISE FACE OF SAID BLADE PROXIMAL AND PARALLEL TO SAID STRAIGHT EDGE HAVING MEASURED GRADUATION COACTING WITH EACH OTHER AND SAID STRAIGHT EDGE AND DEFINING AND PROVIDING A LINEAR MEASURING SCALE, HANDLE MEANS COOPERATING WITH AND MOUNTED ON THE TRANSVERSE TRAILING END PORTION OF SAID BLADE AND TERMINATING IN A HANDGRIP, A REARWARD MARGINAL EDGE PORTION OF SAID HANDGRIP HAVING UPPER AND LOWER OUTSTANDING COMPANION LUGS, BOTH OF SAID LUGS AND A PORTION OF THE EDGE OF THE HANDGRIP BETWEEN SAID LUGS HAVING ALIGNED OPEN-ENDED COORDINATING GROOVES CONJOINTLY CONSTITUTING A KEYWAY WHICH IS ADAPTED TO ACCOMMODATE AN OPTIONALLY ATTACHABLE TRY-SQUARE LEG, THE SIDE FACE PORTIONS OF SAID HANDLE MEANS HAVING RECESSES, SPIRIT LEVELS FITTED AND CONFINED FOR FLUSH OPERATION IN THEIR RESPECTIVE RECESSES, AT LEAST ONE HORIZONTAL SPIRIT LEVEL HAVING ITS LENGTHWISE DIMENSION PARALLEL WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED STRAIGHT EDGE, A SECOND SPIRIT LEVEL WHOSE 